Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-Seater Sofa in Teak and Honey Yellow Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-seater sofa in teak and honey yellow fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsib...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
Italian Contemporary Warm White Chenille and Wood Curved Conversation Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful curved conversation sofa with 4 seats with warm white chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood. It's possible to customise the fabric; in the p...
Chenille, Wood
Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century leather and rosewood model no. MP-211 by Percival Lafer. Made circa 1970s, Brazil. A gorgeous mix of materials and incredible design showcase why Lafer is one of our favo...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam, Rosewood
Pair of Chrome Framed Grey Velvet Loveseats Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of vintage 1970's chrome framed cantilevered loveseat sofas in the style of Milo Baughman and similar to seating groups of the period by Selig and Bernhardt's Flair division. T...
Steel, Chrome
Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of six (6) seats and six (6) back rests by Percival Lafer. Brazil, ca' 1960's imported to New York. Made of patchwork brown leather where the pieces can be arranged in dif...
Leather
Milo Baughman Kelly Wearstler Coquette Alabaster & Black Tuxedo Sofa
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a bold marriage of iconic design and modern artistry, a vintage Milo Baughman sofa reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Coquette fabric in Alabaster...
Cotton, Hardwood
Red Mid-century 3-seater Leather Sofa by Edra, Italy 2000
By Edra
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A bold and sculptural seating piece, this 2000 Italian sofa by Edra brings together the brand’s unmistakable design language with a nod to mid‑century modern aesthetics. Upholstered ...
Leather
Mid-Century ‘Gondola’ Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century ‘Gondola’ sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s. Iconic mid-century design with walnut accents. Long profile sofa sitting atop sculpted walnut legs. ...
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s Created by renowned Brazilian designer Jorge Zalszupin circa 1960, the "Cubo" - or Cube - armchair is s...
Fabric, Plywood
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Curve Module, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Curve module Measures: W. 125 cm / D. 96 cm / H. 70 cm / Seat Height 42 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules t...
Foam
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Black Leather Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
The Bastiano 4seater sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1966
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in View Park, CA
The Bastiano 4seater sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1966. Hailing from the estate of multihyphenate artist and fashion icon Nadia Lee Cohen, this piece is not for ...
Bouclé, Wood
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed designed by Miroslav Navratil, 1960s.
By Interiér Praha, Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
- very iconic sofa - adjustable - confortable - rare colored
Fabric, Wood
Harvey Probber American Mid-Century Green Velvet Round Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century large round sofa with a low curved partial backrest and emerald green velvet upholstery with a button tufted removable seat cush...
Metal, Brass
De Sede DS-88 Landscape Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather, Switzerland 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Tan leather DS88 sofa in patchwork by De Sede. The sofa is sectional so it can be set-up in different ways to your own liking. The sofa...
Leather
$27,580 / set
Sofa by Tito Agnoli, 1969
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Berlin, DE
This rare set consisting of three armchairs and two corner elements was designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex. The seating combination can be arranged in various ways. The dimensions ar...
Leather
Upholstered Sofa with Channel-Tufted Back & Plinth Base By José Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This elegant and contemporary sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and sculptural design. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the latter of which is defined by a series o...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa in Brown Leather, Honoré Paris, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel, Honoré Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Raphael Raffel designed, 1970's, made-to-order natural leather Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Raphael Raffel (1912-2000), who trained at the École des Beaux Arts, was a well-know...
Leather
Mid-Century Manou Bamboo Loveseat with Verner Panton Inspired Cushions, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A distinctive Mid-Century Manou bamboo loveseat from the 1970s, radiating a relaxed, bohemian charm with a playful design twist. This piece stands out with its robust, organic frame ...
Bamboo, Fabric
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and light gray velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Minimalist Teak Sofa Couch by Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Filigree teak sofa from France & Daverkosen or France & Søn after a design by Orla Mølgaard Nielsen. A minimalist design. Distinctive in this design are the large-scale upholstery. ...
Teak
Italian Mid Century Wooden Pine Sofa by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and iconic Italian mid century two seater sculptural wooden sofa in Russian pine from the from the " Mobili nella Valle" series produced by Poltronova Italy, 1973. In very good ...
Pine
$9,125 / item
Mesa Sleeper Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sleeper Sofa is our first convertible sofa. Fully upholstered with a walnut or oak plinth base, it easily converts into a queen-sized bed, making it ideal for guests and sma...
Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage Italian Modern Walnut Divan Sofa Bed Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural sofa/divan bed/sofa bed attributed to Paolo Buffa (Italy, ca. late 1940s/early 1950s). Composed of a straight rail back connecting elegantly curved arms above x-form slats...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
American Modern, Tropical Fabric, Monumental Custom Sofa, USA, 20th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
American Modern, Tropical Fabric, Monumental Custom Sofa, USA, 20th c. A large custom made sofa dressed in a tropical printed fabric. Having three removable seat cushions. Fabric, ...
Fabric
Fantastic Restored Vintage Modern Rattan Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent sofa is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored and completely Installation Ready. Expert custom upholstery service is available. An exceptional vintage modern three-seat sofa, circa 1950. Stout, expertly crafted rattan frame construction. Beautiful design and detail. The matching pair of loungers...
Rattan
1964 Original 932-Quartet Leather Sofa Sectional Mario Bellini for Cassina 2pcs
Located in Basel, BS
Move over, here comes the MEGA CULT CLASSIC, and Extremely rare Bellini that you can also sip Bellini's upon like a ROCK STAR! She is an absolute show stopper for any space... An ...
Leather, Canvas
Large circular wooden sofa, Italian Mid-Century Style
Located in Argelato, BO
The circular sofa features an elegant design in the Italian mid-century style, featuring an oval base with a warm amber-toned wood frame. The slender, curved legs, joined by a centra...
Fabric, Wood
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
De Sede DS-19 model 'Pagoda' modular Sofa in Cognac Leather
By De Sede
Located in Amsterdam, NL
High-quality modular Sofa DS-19, model 'Pagoda', designed by De Sede in the 1970s, Switzerland. Two corner elements that can be set up as a two-seater or as separate seating elements...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 36.75” H x 76” W x 35” D Seat height: 16.75”
Metal
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Upholstery
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll 'Bastiano' Sofa
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-Century Modern 'Bastiano' sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll. This vintage three-seater sofa features a sturdy oak frame and upholstered in a beautiful turquoise fabric, Italy, 1960s...
Fabric, Oak
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style. Built on a sturdy beech wood frame and raised on solid teak leg...
Wool, Teak
American Designer, Sofa, Rattan, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, rattan and green velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, 1950. Seat Height (inches): 16.5” Arm Height (inches): 24" All items ship from High Point, N...
Iron
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 33 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27.5 inc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$4,490 / item
Zebra Patterned Upholstered Armchair, Model Miles
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miles is a series of furniture designed by MER Arkitekter, a Stockholm-based architecture firm. Miles Armchair Boucle is an armchair characterized by its large cushions, rounded corn...
Spruce, Plywood
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
By Dino Gavina
Located in Brussels, BE
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
Fabric, Wood
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT! sofa dimensions: 32" x 64" x 33" lounge chair dimensions: 32" x 27" x 33"
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan, Linen, Bamboo
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger, Switzerland, 1972 An enduring icon of avant-garde furniture design, the DS-600 sectional sofa by Ueli ...
Metal
Early Vintage Eero Saarinen Womb Settee Sofa for Knoll Restored in White Leather
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Troy, MI
An early production Womb settee designed by Eero Saarinen Knoll circa 1960's Black enameled steel frame with new white leather upholstery Original label intact to underside 62 inch...
Steel
Brazilian Modern Two-in-One Rosewood Sofa & Daybed in Deep Olive Mohair, Celina
Located in New York, NY
A rare and intelligently engineered two-in-one sofa and daybed by Celina Decorações, Brazil, circa 1960—an exceptional example of Brazilian modernism where material nobility meets sp...
Mohair, Hardwood
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Patinated Creame-Cognac Leather.
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Patinated Creame-Cognac Leather by Ueli Berger, Switzerland, 1972. The De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa is a mid-century modern piece m...
Leather, Felt, Beech
$2,450 / item
Kho Liang Ie for Artifort Sofas in Black Upholstery
By Kho Liang Ie
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, sofas model 'C683', fabric, coated steel, The Netherlands, design 1968 A classic midcentury sofa designed by Indonesian-Dutch designer Kho Liang Ie (1927-...
Steel
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 3-Seater Teak Sofa in Leather , Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Leather pillows in good original conditions - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
Milo Baughman Ivory Cream Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There can hardly be a more emblematic Mid-Century Modern sofa than the Milo Baughman semi-circular sectional sofa circa 1970s made by Thayer Coggin. The most well known and admired o...
Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Walnut “Gondola” Sofa for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The vintage walnut "Gondola" sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s, is a stunning piece that embodies mid-century modern elegance. This model 2404-S fea...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Brown German 3-seat Modular Design Sofa Boucle, 1970s
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This vintage modular sofa was made around the 1970s in Germany. It features 3 elements covered in brown boucle fabric. It is very comfortable with only minimal signs of wear, as show...
Fabric
Pair available Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House rare four-seat curved sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in South Charleston, WV
An extremely rare collectors piece, this large 97 inch wide four-seat sculptural sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House was designed and produced circa 1957 in the United States, ...
Aluminum
American Designer, Large Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved green fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in the US, 1950s. Seat height: 16”
Fabric, Wood
Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s
By Hans Kaufeld
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, designed by Jacques Brule and produced by Hans Kaufeld in Germany in 1963, is a remarkable example of mid-century modern design. The sofa features a distinctive ...
Steel, Chrome
$22,784Sale Price|24% Off
Bogo Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate
By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular suede and leather sofa 'Bogo' by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate. Italy, 1970 circa Measures: Lounge chair: 100 x 18...
Leather, Suede
Minerva Sofa / Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen in Teak, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Halle, DE
Iconic Minerva sofa by renowned Danish design duo Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s. Manufactured by France & Daverkosen (later France & Son). The sofa impresses with its so...
Fabric, Teak
Vatne Mobler Knut Saeter Rosewood Leather Sofa Danish Modern MCM
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960’s 4 seater sofa designed by Knut Saeter in black leather and rosewood. Minimalist design with the suspended profile and flared arms, each se...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Josef Otmar Gondola Sofa
By Otmar, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exceptional mid-century modern gondola sofa by celebrated designer Josef Otmar, featuring his signature flowing lines and masterful woodworking. This stunning piece showcases the sc...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Folding Sofa or Daybed, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid-century folding sofa or daybed, 1960's. Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
$3,597 / set
De Sede DS44 sofa set, 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of gorgeous leather DS44 sofas from De Sede consisting of a 2 and 3 seater sofa. De Sede, renowned for using the best quality leather has created some wonderful sofas. These ar...
Leather
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa after Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern sofa in a hexagonal form circa 1970's. It features a two section design with low profile feet. Fabric is original and needs recovering...
Fabric
$15,349Sale Price|20% Off
Iconic Anfibio sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti 1970
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Iconic 3 seater sofa/bed designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970. The sofa is in original leather, very good condition, smaal sign of aging, small hole( about2 mm) in the...
Steel